More Details Given on Angel Fire Resort

August 30, 2011 by Justin Leighty
-
()
Comments Off on More Details Given on Angel Fire Resort

The scope of a construction project can often be inferred by its cost, and Angel Fire Resort officials plan to invest more in a new RV resort than on the multi-million dollar country club they erected last year in northern new Mexico, the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle reported

The RV resort is to be built near the west entrance to Angel Fire on Highway 64. With 260 RV sites, 109 RV storage units, 10 cabins, a full-service clubhouse, bathrooms, laundry facilities and dog runs, the 94-acre development is meant to serve RV travelers who expect a luxurious experience.

“Angel Fire Resort is committed to creating an RV hospitality experience unlike any other in North America,” said Daniel E. Rakes, general counsel for the resort. “We’re working with the top experts in RV resort development to identify the most desirable amenities, and to guarantee the best resort practices, so that we greatly exceed the expectations of today’s passionate RV travelers.”

Resort Marketing Director Dave Dekema said the project is not meant to cater to the resort’s current clientele, but it will bring a different type of vacationer to Angel Fire.

“This is a destination resort for them to bring their toys and their friends,” he said. “…This isn’t an amenity of the existing resort. The resort is investing in a completely new business here in Angel Fire.”

Rakes recently told the Village of Angel Fire Council he is confident that the project will attract people who will “nest” in Angel Fire for long periods of time. He said the resort’s RV industry consultant from Washington state advised that the industry remains strong despite increasing gas prices.

“RVers don’t really care about a dollar a gallon (increase),” he said. “They’re spending anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 on one of those units, so that’s not a significant thing for them.”

The approved location for the RV resort is adjacent to Carson National Forest and the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. It will have its own private access to the forest, where visitors can bike, hike and ride snowmobiles. The resort is seeking the required permits for ATV trails from the U.S.Forest Service.

Living Designs Group of Taos will oversee the design of the new project. The company has worked on a variety of other large-scale New Mexico projects, such as the four-star El Monte Sagrado Resort in Taos and the country club in Angel Fire. According to an economic impact study, the development would generate $100,000 in wages paid to employees and $1,146,685.12 in various taxes during the first year.

It would generate revenues of $160 per night per RV space rented, the report states. Angel Fire Community Development Director Mark Rivera said the resort secured a zoning change for the project last year, and Dekema said resort officials hope to start work on the utilities and infrastructure this year with groundbreaking in the fall.

The Village of Angel Fire Council approved the RV resort site plan Aug. 9.